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AGRICULTURE

Reducing the Risk of Contamination by Improving Hazardous Management

wo key steps to minimizing the potential cleaning, maintaining or general use of farm from farm, household and shed on your equipment or farming procedures Tfarm are to minimize the amount of wastes and to Due to the rural location of farms, many farmers have recycle when possible. traditionally disposed of their wastes on-site. Common Some hazardous materials, such as lubricating oils or disposal methods have included open air, barrel or for cleaning metal parts, are an unavoidable part of domestic of and trash or simply piling farm life. Take time to examine activities that involve using or burying trash in a ditch on the “back 40.” hazardous materials to be sure that you really need all the Health concerns, toxicity and the increased volume of products you are using. Keep in mind that waste guarantees that a new approach to disposal practices generated from farm business activities must be managed is necessary to ensure that safe drinking-water supplies are according to state and federal rules. available for farm families and their neighbors. When you are certain that you are buying and using Local, state and federal laws also reflect the increased only essential products, consider how to use the products concern with many disposal practices. For example, new safely, recycle or them when possible and dispose rules require that environmentally protective conditions of remaining products in a way that will not pose a risk to be met before some disposal practices are permitted. your drinking water. A few simple management principles Other previously common disposal practices are now apply in every situation: illegal because of their potential risks to human health and • Use hazardous products away from your well (300 the environment. feet or more), even when all your spills and drips will This approach suggests several changes in traditional be contained. practices: • Dispose of -container rinse water by • Eliminate the typical farm burning site for all but a spreading on fields at the proper application rate for limited number of needs. Stop disposing of trash on the pesticide. the farm, with the exception of organic waste that • Contain any unusable wastes, spills and drips for can be composted, such as household garbage, leaves appropriate disposal. and straw. • Take uncontaminated trash to a facility, a licensed or a municipal incinerator. Farm and household trash • Separate household hazardous waste from This category of potentially hazardous substances general trash and save it for a hazardous-waste includes: collection program where available. If not • Ash and sludge from burned farm, home and garage available, follow approved alternative-management trash and waste oil recommendations. Some farm hazardous wastes may • Plastic wraps and containers from farm and be stored for a hazardous- program. household chemicals, such as and paints Others, such as banned products, may need special • Personal care products, spot removers, dry-cleaning consideration or pickup by a licensed hazardous- fluids, mothballs and shoe and leather polishes waste contractor. More information is available in the • Hobby products, pesticides used in pet care, artist Resources section. paints and solvents, undiluted photography and Household hazardous waste is excluded from hazardous- swimming-pool chemicals and strong acids regulations and often is included with • Home cleaning and repair products, air fresheners regular trash disposal. But neither household hazardous and pest strips, furniture and wood polishes and waste nor hazardous waste from the farm business can waxes, lead-based paint, other paints, stains and be disposed of safely in a “pollution-free manner” on the finishes, paint and finish preparation products and farm site. If you dispose of hazardous wastes from the farm wood-preserving products business on-site, you’re violating state law. • Farm-business hazardous waste, including unusable or waste cleaners, solvents, pesticides and other hazardous chemicals that are generated from extension.missouri.edu eq679 Household waste vs. farm- paper and cardboard. Burn dry combustibles outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to minimize adverse health effects from smoke. Household quantities of hazardous wastes are exempted Do not burn empty pesticide bags. If they must be from regulation under state and federal law. You may burned, burn them well away from people, pets and farm dispose of these wastes safely at household hazardous-waste stock because air will carry pesticide particles from the collection events sponsored by some communities. Small fire. Burn in small quantities and only on fields where the quantities of hazardous waste were banned from pesticide was applied. beginning Jan. 1, 1994. For information about locations and dates of collection Building- and wood-maintenance events, call your regional or state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office. cleaners and chemicals Hazardous waste from the farm business must be This category of potentially hazardous substances disposed of with a permitted hazardous-waste disposal includes: contractor. For more information about hazardous-waste • -based building and wood cleaners, including contractors, contact the hazardous waste section of your wood polish and products for wood floor and panel regional or state DNR office. cleaning. (Detergent-based cleaners do not pose a threat to groundwater.) Burning • Equipment-maintenance products, such as stripping Researchers estimate that ground-level concentrations and finishing products, stains and paints, products of dioxin due to burning household trash in a burn barrel for cleaning brushes or spray guns and adhesives are 7,000 times the amount formed during trash burning such as glues and caulk. Also includes solvents used in a municipal incinerator. Ash and sludge resulting from in degreasers and paint thinners, stains and varnishes on-farm burning also contain significant amounts of toxic and wood-preservative compounds. substances, such as lead, cadmium, chromium, dioxin and Disposing of these products by dumping them on furan compounds. the ground or in a septic system could allow hazardous Waste oil, if uncontaminated with other solvents, can be elements to leach into groundwater. If you use these burned in a furnace designed to use oil as a fuel. Contain products for farm business, then dispose of them on your and dispose of any resulting ash or sludge in a licensed farm, you’re breaking the law. Avoid on-farm disposal of landfill. Waste contaminated with solvents may be a these liquids whenever possible. hazardous waste and, if so, must be managed properly. For information about proper septic system Check with the Missouri DNR for specifics on burning management, see MU Extension publication EQ680, waste oils. Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by No specific design standards exist to adequately protect Improving Household Wastewater Treatment. the environment from or groundwater The best disposal method for these products is to contamination resulting from burning and ash disposal of use up leftovers or share unused products with others. wet trash, plastic product containers, waste oil and other Dispose of any remaining hazardous liquid or sludge with hazardous products used on the farm. a hazardous-waste contractor. Dispose of solids from The typical operation at open-burning sites, burn evaporation of latex-based products in a licensed landfill. barrels and domestic incinerators is not adequate for Some products, such as paint thinners, can be filtered and burning at the temperatures required to eliminate the reused. Other products, such as wood preservatives and production of toxic substances, such as dioxin compounds, lead-based paints, need to be labeled and saved for disposal chlorine products, solvent vapors and a residue of heavy by a hazardous-waste contractor or a household hazardous- metals. waste collection program. For more information on Although burning may destroy some toxic substances, disposal of products, contact your county MU Extension others will become concentrated in the smoke, ash and office or regional Missouri Department of Natural sludge that result from burning wastes. Repeated burning Resources office. on the same location under similar weather conditions may Because of the volume of these products used on the cause the toxic substances in smoke — especially heavy farm, even spills and drips can add up to a problem for metals such as lead, and arsenic — to accumulate groundwater. Avoid maintenance activities within 300 feet in a concentrated area around the burn barrel. These of your well. Generally, conduct maintenance in a location substances, as well as the toxic substances in ash and sludge where you can contain spills and drips. disposed of through land-spreading or burial, also could result in groundwater contamination. Open burning of dry combustibles in small amounts is appropriate where it is permitted by local ordinance. Dry combustibles include clean, untreated, unpainted wood, eq679 page 2 University of Missouri Extension Leftover or unusable pesticides • Engine, parts and equipment cleaners and container disposal • Lubricants • Rust removers This category of potentially hazardous substances • Paints and paint-preparation products includes all types of pesticides and pesticide containers, • Brush or spray-gun cleaners including those used for indoor plants and yard care. • Lead-acid battery replacement Handle all categories of pesticides as directed on the • Gasoline and diesel fuel label to prevent health and environmental problems. Pay Solvents used for cleaning metal parts, oils and fuels may particular attention to pesticides classified as “restricted include hazardous toxic ingredients. Fortunately, good use.” Pesticide labels and regulations concerning their recycling opportunities exist for both solvents and waste use often change over time. Remember that pesticides oil. Consider contracting with a solvent recycler to rent a might not have current warning labels, and some may parts washer. Old solvents are picked up by the recycler, have been banned since the time you purchased them. who gives you clean solvent. To recycle waste oil, take it to The only acceptable management practices for pesticides a gas station, service center or county highway department are to use the pesticide according to current label office that recycles waste oil and will take oil from farmers directions or arrange for disposal with a hazardous-waste and homeowners. At least one such office usually exists in contractor. When the U.S. Environmental Protection every county. Agency (EPA) bans a pesticide, it sometimes provides Solid- and hazardous-waste laws prohibit land-spreading a “buy-back” and disposal program for a specified time of waste oil for dust or weed suppression. Waste oil can period. Pesticides purchased in mini-bulk tanks or be burned in a certified waste-oil burner if the oil has not returnable containers allow you to return excess chemical been contaminated with solvents or other materials. The to the cooperative or store. For leftover pesticides waste-oil furnace should be placed according to building- you can’t dispose of in any of these ways, store them safely code requirements. until you can dispose of them through a community Use up old fuels (leftover quantity stored for several hazardous-waste collection program or a hazardous-waste months) whenever possible. Filter out contaminants and contractor. dilute one-part old fuel with five-parts new fuel to protect Pesticide waste includes empty pesticide containers, as your engine. Wear protective clothing to prevent fuel from well as leftover pesticides. Pesticides come in mini-bulk splashing on you during the procedure. tanks 3- to 5-gallon plastic containers or paper containers. Do not dump into your own drain if you have Return mini-bulk tanks to the place of purchase when you a . It may kill the organisms that the system complete application. You can return some five-gallon depends on to break down wastes in the tank. Check your plastic containers to the place of purchase. Bundle paper area for antifreeze recycling centers. containers and take them to a licensed solid-waste facility. If you find yourself painting a lot of vehicles or other Check with your local cooperative or retail store to learn farm equipment, use a paint booth. Some booths are whether they’ll let you dispose of containers there. structured to collect excess paint and spray-gun cleaners If you cannot return plastic containers to the place of for later disposal with a solvent recycler. Note that filters purchase, triple-rinse the containers, return the rinse used with a paint booth must be considered a hazardous water to the spray tank and apply, following labeled waste when discarded. instructions. Take the rinsed containers to a licensed The design and location of the equipment-maintenance landfill. area is important. Some farmers use a grease pit. Others Some landfills, however, because of liability concerns, allow drips and spills to collect on the shed floor. will not accept even triple-rinsed containers. Triple-rinsed In both cases, the area is typically cleaned through pesticide containers may still contain enough pesticide periodic flushing. If you prefer to keep your shed floor residue that they should not be used for any other purpose. clean through flushing, you will need a system to hold If you cannot dispose of pesticide containers at the nearest waste liquids so that they will not be flushed onto soil. landfill, contact your regional DNR office or the Missouri Flushing to a paved outdoor area is an acceptable method Department of Agriculture for the nearest disposal site. of disposal. Using sawdust to soak up drips and spills is For more information about the management and another common practice. Evaporate volatile chemicals in storage of pesticides on the farm, see MU publication a protected outdoor area with good ventilation, and take EQ676, Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by the sawdust to a licensed landfill. Burning any of these Improving Pesticide Storage and Handling. substances can produce air-emission deposits that can contaminate groundwater. Evaporation of liquid wastes prior to flushing may take Vehicle maintenance chemicals care of the problem of contaminated runoff, but it is not This category of potentially hazardous substances includes: recommended because of air-quality concerns and the • Vehicle-maintenance products, such as antifreeze, oil potential for liquids to seep through floor cracks. Flushing and grease is one of many waste-management methods used in the • Solvents for oil and grease removal/disposal eq679 page 3 University of Missouri Extension past that should be re-evaluated to determine whether it is Laws regulating waste worth the risks of environmental contamination. disposal from farms Storing chemicals and Disposing of hazardous wastes from farms is regulated under federal and state law. hazardous wastes The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) You sometimes may have leftover or used chemicals, Subtitle D provides restrictions for land burial of trash that such as waste oil and solvents, that need to be stored doesn’t fall into hazardous-waste categories. Open burning until disposal. Place the storage area for these chemicals and on-farm incineration of trash and on-farm burial of and their wastes at least 300 feet from your well. Dike containers and other trash are regulated in Missouri under storage areas to prevent well contamination from spills if the Missouri Solid , Revised the volume of the stored products and wastes exceeds 10 Missouri Statutes, Section 260.200 through 260.345 gallons. (RSMo 260.200–260.345) Store chemicals in clearly labeled containers designed Under federal hazardous-waste regulations, farms may to contain the specific hazard category — flammables, be considered “conditionally exempt.” States use terms or corrosives. Provide a well-ventilated area away to refer to categories of waste generators that may not be from sources of heat, spark or flame, with sturdy shelving the same as federal terms. Contact the Missouri DNR for for storing labeled containers in the building where you more information. An operation is “conditionally exempt” commonly use them. When choosing the storage location, if it accumulates less than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous keep , safety and flammability in mind. waste or less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per Be sure that the area is adequately vented to prevent month. “Conditionally-exempt” operations are not buildup of fumes from leftover products. As a rule, if required to get an EPA identification number or a manifest you can smell your products, ventilation is inadequate to form for disposal, but they still must deliver their wastes to protect your health. Also, be sure that the storage area a licensed hazardous-waste facility. provides a means to segregate flammables, explosives, “Acutely hazardous” and “hazardous” wastes are listed in poisons and corrosive wastes to minimize accidental federal and state regulations. Aldicarb and heptachlor, for release due to chemical interactions. Make sure storage is example, are acutely hazardous pesticides. inaccessible to children. A word of caution: Because some pesticides commonly Collect hazardous wastes generated in the course of used by farmers are listed as acutely hazardous waste in maintaining farm equipment, such as solvents and parts federal statutes, farmers with leftover pesticides may not washer solution, and place in closed containers. Label the be “conditionally exempt.” Farmers who accumulate more containers with the words “hazardous waste,” the name of than 2.2 pounds of acutely hazardous waste need to get an the waste and the date the waste was put into the container. EPA identification number and use the manifest system to Hazardous wastes generated from household vehicle dispose of those wastes. maintenance should be stored safely until they can be taken In Missouri, these conditionally exempt generators are to a household hazardous-waste collection site. Evaporation designated as small-quantity generators and are regulated of household hazardous wastes is not recommended because by state law. of the potential for spills, contact by children and fire. Use Disposal of veterinary medical wastes might present a evaporation only when no household hazardous waste problem on some farms. Ask your veterinarian for advice collection program is available. If you’re not sure whether a on specific wastes , such as antibiotic containers. DNR particular waste is hazardous, contact the hazardous waste regional offices can provide information about regulations section of your regional or state DNR office. that might affect medical-waste disposal. When storing wastes and products outside, especially liquids, place them on bermed surfaces built of materials that will contain any spills. For example, you may store Resources batteries in a plastic-lined area, but some solvents could For information about health concerns related to dissolve a plastic liner. Spilled solvents also may penetrate hazardous waste disposal, contact the Missouri concrete or asphalt if they are not cleaned up quickly. Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Store flammable chemicals and batteries in an area Environmental Epidemiology, 866-628-9891 or 573- shaded from direct sunlight. Rags used to clean up solvent 751-6102, [email protected], http://health.mo.gov/ spills also may be a fire hazard. Store them with the same living/environment/hazsubstancesites/. care as hazardous materials, such as in fireproof containers For information about specific products, contact the in a storage area. Dispose of as hazardous material. company that makes the product. Also, for information Inspect all storage areas regularly for spills or leaks, about resources and solutions for hazardous materials proper labeling and to see that containers are in good and dangerous goods response, contact CHEMTREC, condition, closed and not bulging. For more information 1-800-262-8200, [email protected]. A 24-hour on proper storage methods, contact the hazardous waste emergency information and response line is 1-800-424- section of your state or regional DNR office. 9300. eq679 page 4 University of Missouri Extension For information on petroleum product spills, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resource's Hazardous Waste Program, 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3176, https:// dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/; your county MU Extension office; or a regional DNR office listed below: • Kansas City — 816-251-0700 • Northeast (Macon) — 660-385-8000 • Southeast (Poplar Bluff) — 573-840-9750 • Southwest (Springfield) — 417-891-4300 • St. Louis — 314-416-2960 For information about pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries, Bureau of Pesticide Control, 573-751-5504. http://agriculture.mo.gov/ plants/pesticides/ For questions about human poisoning, contact your physician or the Missouri Regional Control Center at 800-366-8888.

Farm•A•Syst: Farmstead Assessment System Fact Sheet: This guide, previously named MU publication WQ679 Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Hazardous Waste Management, was originally produced as part of the Missouri Farmstead Assessment System — a cooperative project of MU Extension; MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service — and was adapted from Wisconsin and Minnesota prototype versions of Farm•A•Syst.

ALSO FROM MU EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS

EQ676 Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Pesticide Storage and Handling EQ680 Reducing the Risk of Groundwater Contamination by Improving Household Wastewater Treatment G7520 Pesticides and the Environment extension.missouri.edu | 800-292-0969

eq679 page 5 New 10/95; Revised 6/17/Web